A landscape view of the Ha’penny Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over Dublin’s River Liffey.(Photo: Derek Cullen)
Dublin, on the east central coast of Ireland, dates to 988, although evidence shows an earlier existence. The name derives from the Gaelic dubh linn or black pool, a reference to the River Liffey. After the Vikings ruled for three centuries, the Danes followed, then the Anglo-Normans. Modern Dublin, a lively cosmopolitan city, is proud of its literary heritage as well as of its culture and historic preservation…
Leading out to the Irish Sea and flanked by the River Liffey, Dublin Port is an incredibly busy cargo port. That’s why it’s best to disembark and be on your merry way. Hail a taxi into the city center, about $20 US for the 10-minute ride, or take advantage of your ship’s shuttle bus.
Tip: The Dublin Pass offers great savings on entry to more than 30 favorite visitor spots. The pass is available for one, two, three or six consecutive days.
Adventurer
One of the most popular attractions in Dublin, AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, is an indoor water park with an Olympic-size swimming pool, action-packed flumes, FlowRider (an interactive surf, snowboard and skateboard ride), and the Master Blaster, an uphill water rollercoaster. Children under 8 gravitate toward the calm pirate ship with small slides.
Explore the River LIffey with kayak rentals and lessons from City Kayaking or embark on an hour-long wakeboard ride at Wake Dock, Ireland’s first cable wakeboard park.
Entertain Me
You can’t visit Dublin without a true Irish music and dance experience. The Jig.ie showcases both traditional and contemporary high-energy dance with shows at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Your ticket includes admission to the Irish Dance Museum as well. If your ship departs later, the 200-year-old Merry Ploughboy Pub serves a three-course dinner before its two hours of fast-paced traditional song and dance.
At the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, you’ll delight in everything from opera and ballet (Giselle, Romeo & Juliet) to Broadway hits (The Lion King, Wicked, Hairspray) and renowned artists such as Jose Carreras and Emmylou Harris, plus theatrical classics like The Mousetrap. The theater offers 2:30 p.m. matinees on Wednesday and Thursdays for cruisers departing early.
Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s more than 100-year-old national theatre, offers guided, 75-minute, backstage tours Wednesdays through Saturdays. Times vary according to show schedules, but Saturdays typically allow for noon tours. Book in advance.
Family
For a wee bit of whimsy, visit the National Leprechaun Museum in the heart of downtown, said to be the first museum of its kind. Learn about leprechaun lore that has been passed down for more than 1,000 years. The outing provides a fun, storytelling experience, and who knows who might sprinkle some good-luck fairy dust on you.
The Xtreme.ie Family Activity Centre just 10 minutes outside of Dublin introduces you to hours of adrenaline rush activities such as climbing walls, ziplines, archery, high rope obstacles, giant swing and aerial trekking. The Adventure Centre offers family packages with extreme events suitable for those ages 7 and up.
Parents and children alike will be enchanted by Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol, one of Europe’s largest unoccupied prisons. Both haunted with history, the castle’s grounds are free for visitors and include museums, gardens and cafés. For Viking and medieval history, head to Dublinia, which hosts Family First Saturdays the first weekend of every month. Consider a 45-minute scenic ride down River Liffey as guides detail Irish history and describe the bridges, buildings and landmarks along the river.
Foodie
Enjoy some Irish favorites. Dublin coddle is a concoction of chopped sausages and ham or bacon simmered in stock with potatoes and onions. Irish stew is a thick mixture of lamb or mutton with potatoes, carrots and onions. The Porter cake is a classic Irish cake, albeit heavy, with mixed dried fruit and dark stout.
Some literary greats hail from Dublin (if you have the chance, visit the Writers Museum). Combine a nod to the city’s notable writers with the not-to-miss Irish pub scene by going on a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl™. Your derby-wearing hosts give you plenty of chuckles, starting off with humorous ditties and songs. The witty tour takes you to several terrific pubs such as McDaids and Palace Bar, while “pontificating” about Beckett, Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and other literary icons. The pubs open during the day, but the guided tours start from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
In 1759, Arthur Guinness opened his now-famous brewery in Dublin. Open year-round, the Guinness Storehouse offers a self-guided tour showcasing 250 years of the dark stout. Meander through the seven floors of the 19th-century warehouse, learning everything about Guinness along the way. And, yes, there’s complimentary brew waiting for you at the end of your tour (not for the kiddies, of course).
Luxury Lover
Fashionable Grafton Street is the place to shop. Head to Brown Thomas, a department store, founded in 1849, that carries designer brands such as Drakes of London, Narcisco Rodriguez, Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo and Elie Saab, among dozens of others. Contact Brown Thomas in advance to book personal shoppers.
Concierge Dublin can make you feel like a star. Their knowledgeable professionals can arrange that special something — helicopter charters, chauffeured limousines, luxurious spa treatments, a private suite at the racetrack, VIP access to the best golf courses, customized city tours or even hard-to-get event tickets.
For specialty shopping, stop in Cleo’s on Kildare Street for Irish handknits, Weir and Sons for jewelry, The Winding Stair for literature, Paul Sheeran for upscale gifts and watches, or Christy Bird for Irish antiques.
Romantic
Cuddle in a horse-drawn carriage ride as you pass such iconic sites as Christ Church, Merrion Square, the Oscar Wilde Statue and Dublin Castle.
A lesser-known, but lovely park, Iveagh Gardens, designed in 1865, is a quiet refuge just south of St. Stephen’s Green with woodlands and a fragrant Victorian rose garden. You can stroll through Italian and Japanese gardens at Powerscourt Estate and Gardens along the River Dargle.
Serenade your sweetheart with traditional and folk music at Cobblestone, a cozy pub with live music at the casual musician’s corner downstairs and sometimes formal concerts upstairs. Find beauty at the National Gallery’s more than 2,000 art exhibits or savor seafood with a scenic view at Aqua, which has live jazz at Sunday lunches.
Wallet Watcher
Taking the Hop-on, Hop-off bus remains a great and affordable way to see the major sights in Dublin. Running every 15 to 20 minutes, the bus makes 20 stops. Booking online gets you the family special of paying for two adults (about 18€ each) with up to four children under the age of 14 free.
Noteworthy stops, on the bus or on your own, include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which honors Ireland’s patron saint. Dating to the 13thcentury, the cathedral is Ireland’s largest and is next to the spot where St. Patrick was supposedly baptized in 450 A.D. The church also houses the country’s biggest and most powerful organ. Queen Elizabeth I established Trinity College in 1592. Its stunning 210-foot-long Old Library is home to the remarkable 9th-century Book of Kells. Take time to stroll Trinity’s campus to enjoy the setting and the architecture. For an urban oasis, walk through Dubb Linn Garden (no admission), the park behind Dublin Castle.
From www.usatoday.com
